SO2 levels in the Jinamar valley. Influence of some meteorological variables

Abstract

Hourly average sulphur dioxide concentrations have been measured simultaneously at two sites in the Jinamar Valley, over a continuous 1-year period (november 1992 - october 1993) using chemiluminescent analysers.Ambient concentration of SO2 were maximum during winter. The ratio between the intercuartile range winte/summer in both stations (4.0) indicate higher seasonal variation. Peak concentrations ocurred between noon and 3 p.m. (independently of season).SO2 levels were found to be inversely proportional to the wind speed. The higher concentration was observed with winds from the northeast. The study suggest the importance of relative humidity in the overall rate of conversion of SO2.